Sep 18 2009
Why Politicians Need Science
I don’t trust the decisions of politicians who don’t trust science. Why? Because politicians make policy decisions aimed at improving/protecting our country. However well-argued a policy or policy change may be, whether or not it will produce the desired results can be another matter. Scientific methodology is the best way to separate policies that do work or are likely to from those that don’t or won’t.
An example: Researchers in Texas have determined that a “zero tolerance” policy on drinking and driving has “zero effect” on producing positive change.
“Both in terms of the number of accidents and the blood alcohol of the drivers in those accidents, the research consistently showed that zero tolerance laws had no effect,” Grant said. “Other factors matter, but not these laws. . . . “
[A]mong drivers involved in traffic accidents, there is the same fraction of heavy drinkers, the same fraction of mild drinkers, the same fraction of nondrinkers,” he said. “It’s just not changing.” [source]
Given that the policy doesn’t work, why make law enforcement engage in expensive busywork?
Of course, the mere appearance of caring and doing something counts in the world of politics. Sadly.
